Once they get their hooks into you they really don’t want to let go! Last year I bought an XBox to play Halo and decided to sign up for XBox-Live in the mistaken belief that I’d use it. Of course, I did no such thing, so I decided to cancel it before it came up for renewal.

Went to the XBox web site. Lots of instructions which were extremely helpful and detailed about getting connected, or troubleshooting any issues, but no mention of being able to cancel.

Fired up the XBox itself and examined my XBox Live settings. Again, many options for changing your credit card details, changing the type of your subscription, but no mention of ever leaving.

The renewal email arrived today, again devoid of information on any quitting option, so it was back to the web site.

After clicking numerous links I finally got a phone number I could call, so I did…

Support: Hi, how can I help you today?

Me: I’d like to cancel my XBox Live please.

(mild intake of breath, presumably indicating surprise that anyone would be crazy enough to do such a thing)

S: So you’d like to cancel your XBox Live. Is this correct?

M: Yes.

S: Could I ask you why?

M: Because I don’t use it and I’ve sold my XBox.

S: You know you can sell it, or transfer it to a family member who might want it?

M: No thanks, I’d just like to cancel it.

S: Can I tell you about…

M: Look, can I just cancel the account please?

After that it was relatively plain sailing. Thank fuck I don’t need Microsoft for anything else! Reminds me of the Borg.